World Cup 2018: Memories of Spain in Blueberry White

Two days into this summer’s World Cup we were treated to a game that will be remembered as an all-time classic.

Spain and Portugal kept us enthralled for every one of the 90 minutes played, during a thrilling 3-3 draw in Sochi, punctuated by a brilliant Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick.

Diego Costa had twice plundered goals before one of the strikes of the tournament from Nacho gave Spain a 3-2 lead, only for Ronaldo’s stunning late free-kick to level the scores for Portugal.

Whilst the Portuguese lined-up in pretty much the exact same Nike kit they have worn for the past 25 years, Spain were wearing an off-whitekit that defied explanation.

Just 72 hours after the dismissal of coach JulenLopetegui and the temporary appointment of Fernando Hierro, Spain did not quite look themselves.

In a break from their usual away kit fare of navy blue or white, la Furia Rojawore a patterned kit that looked far better on the pitch than it did in Adidas‘ promotional pictures.

At times the kit with its orange (or were they red?) details and trim looked white, at other times grey but for the most part it seemed to be the lightest of blues.

If you consulted a colour chart at your favourite DIY superstore, those Spanish shirts would probably be closest to Blueberry White.

Now you get the picture?

The shirts were a departure from the Spanish norm, and were also worn against Iran in what amounted to a disappointing tournament for the 2010 champions, who exited at the hands of hosts Russia in a second round penalty shootout defeat.

Football kits stir vivid memories in all who share a passion for the game, and although these Spanish away kits will not win any prizes, or be listed in many “shirts of Russia 2018” compilations, their starring role in that awesome episode in Sochi, means these dazzling Adidas kits deserve their place in the annals of Sartorial Soccer history.